The Importance of Dental Cleanings

Did you know that regular brushing your pet's teeth and providing them with a healthy diet can go a long way toward keeping their mouth healthy? Many pet's show signs of gum disease by the time they are four years old, because they aren't provided with proper mouth care---and bad breath is often the first sign of a problem. Give your dog regular home checks and follow the tips below and you'll have a very contented pet with a dazzling smile!!

1) Once a week, with your pet facing you, lift their lips and examine the gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs if swelling. The teeth should be clean, without any brownish tartar.

2) Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on a pet's teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. One solution? Regular teeth cleaning!!

3) Get yourself a toothbrush made especially for dogs and cats. Ask your vet for a toothpaste made especially for your pet.

Getting familiar with the possible mouth problems your dog or cat may encounter will help you determine when it's time to see a vet about treatment.

1) Periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge.

2) Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding, red-swollen gums and bad breath. It is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.

3) Halitosis, or bad breath, can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection.. Regular tooth-brushings are a great solution.

4) Swollen gums develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth. Regularly brushing your dog's teeth at home and getting annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis.